Getting over health problems such as stress, aches and pains or a cold can often be tricky.

Diss Mercury: A new spiritual healing clinic has been opened to give free healing to people suffering. He'd lye and Julia Griffin.A new spiritual healing clinic has been opened to give free healing to people suffering. He'd lye and Julia Griffin. (Image: Archant norfolk)

However, a new £200,000 clinic built on the Norfolk and Suffolk border believes it has an answer.

Whereas many people might automatically turn to medication, physiotherapy or a new exercise regime to cure them of their ills, the new Erasmus Foundation site at Laxfield, near Eye in Suffolk, is encouraging GPs to consider referring patients for its spiritual healing techniques.

By placing their hands on the area of the body affected and bringing to the patient's mind colours associated with the problem, healers believe they can make all the difference.

Although it is stressed that their techniques are 'complementary, not alternative' to medical treatment, a few minutes is all healers say they need to help alleviate the problems.

Yet although it does not promise to completely cure someone of their ills, the foundation claims feedback from patients has been positive and suggests it is a comfort – and that it is something healthcare professionals should consider for referrals.

Julia Griffin, caretaker at the Erasmus Foundation, said: 'You have only got to look at the news and listen to health problems to realise there is more stress around.

'GPs are under a lot more pressure with people coming about stress-related problems.

'We would like more people to know about us and we would like to work with GPs and the NHS, because we feel we can offer a lot of people some help.'

The foundation offers healing free, saying: 'We believe that as it is a gift freely given, we should not make a charge.'

All healers are volunteers.

The registered charity's new facility has four treatment rooms, a first aid room and a new reception area. It also has its own 'peace garden', which people can walk around to help alleviate their stress.

Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Dan Poulter officially opened the facility.

'As an NHS doctor, I am very well aware of the importance of holistic health and wellbeing,' he said.

'There is a lot that can be done alongside what the health service has to offer.

'The new facilities and the dedicated volunteers will benefit many people.'

He stressed that the clinic was 'not an alternative to medicine and the people at the Erasmus Foundation refer people where appropriate to get medical advice'.

For more information, contact the Erasmus Foundation on 01986 798682 or email admin@erasmus-foundation.org

n What do you think? Write, giving your full contact details, to: Mercury Letters, 26 Mere Street, Diss IP22 4AD or email dma.news@archant.co.uk